Analysis of Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Bur Ni Geureudong Geothermal Field, Aceh, Indonesia Using Landsat 8 OLI / TIRS Images

Abstract Bur Ni Geureudong is one of geothermal areas that potentially to be developed for geothermal power plant in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Prior to the development, detail investigation based on geological, geophysical and geochemical methods are needed for estimating its potential. However, this site is located in a mountainous area with dense forests that are difficult to reach and research of geothermal exploration in site is still very poor considering its promising potential. So that the use of remote sensing method is very suitable to be done to investigate geothermal potential in these remote areas. For reconnaissance survey, Land Surface Temperature (LST) mapping using Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS (Operational Land Imager/Thermal Infrared Sensor) image data was conducted to investigate the geothermal potential in the area. Radiometric correction, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) mapping and emissivity calculations were performed to obtain the LST map. Results show temperatures in the area ranged 17⁰C to 40⁰C, the area with high surface temperatures are caused by geothermal activities. NDVI map also shows an agreement with the high surface temperature region and they are mostly indicated by occurrence of vegetation stress. Keywords: Bur Ni Geureudong geothermal field, Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS., land surface temperature, Thermal remote sensing